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The beaches around Lagos are some of the most beautiful of the Algarve,
like Praia de Dona Ana, which can be reached after a 25 minutes walk from
the center of the town, Praia do Camilo, a bit further on, and Meia Praia,
whose sands stretch for 4 km (2.5 miles) east of Lagos. However, it is the
promontory named Ponta da Piedade and sheltering the bay of Lagos which is
most admired by visitors, with its caves, rocks and wonderfully
transparent waters. North of Lagos, Barragem de Bravura is a water
reservoir offering fine views.

Apart from its animated lifestyle, the one learns that this was a fishing
village and that its importance grew under the Arabs, which built several
fortifications. It turned into an important naval center in the age of the
Discoveries, in the 15th century; became the capital of the Algarve from
1576 to 1756 and was greatly damaged by the earthquake of 1755; thus its
beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings. A fine new marina welcomes
boats sailing in from the Atlantic.
Odiáxere - A picturesque village of white walled houses. Nearby there are
panoramic views over Lagos bay. Main Church - Rebuilt in the 18th century,
it has a fine doorway of red Silo es sandstone. Exuberantly decorated in
the Manueline style (16th century). Plain interior. The altars have 18th
century icons including a Christ in Indo Portuguese ivory notably for its
dramatic expression. There is a border of 17th century tiles. There are
good views over Lagos bay from nearby.
Barragem da Bravura - A man made lake stretching out beneath broad,
mountainous horizons. A place to relax and enjoy nature. Excellent view
point.
Bensafrim - A typical small town, surrounded by hills, looking down on the
sea. It has a church with some valuable works of art. The Forte Velha
necropolis is situated nearby. Dating back to the Iron Age, it was later
used in the Roman era and also includes a press. At Corte de Bispo there
are some remains of Roman ruins.
Luz - A fishing port nestling between cliffs, which in spite of being an
important tourist centre; it maintains its traditional and typical
character. Main Church - The church is medieval in origin. Its main chapel
has a gothic triumphal arch and vaults. The retable of the main altar is
decorated with gilded carving in the baroque style (18th century). Also to
be found are the ruins of an important Roman '"villa" . with mosaics and
pools. There is a small aqueduct to channel water from Quinta da Luz. Next
to the beach are tanks for salting fish, probably built by the
Carthaginians and then used by the Romans. Rising above the beach is the
old fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light) (17th century), which
has now been turned into a restaurant. Nearby, at Cerro de Lorvão, there
is a Roman burial ground. The Miradouro da Atalaia, 108 m (360 feet),
offers sweeping views along the coast.

Ponte da Piedade - A huge rock formation hollowed out by the sea. The bold
colours of the strangely shaped rock yellow, ochre, red - contrast with
the crystal blue of the sea. There is access by boat to innumerable
beautiful sea caves and hollows. The lighthouse stands near to the site of
an old coastal defence fortification.
Barão de São João - A village on the edge of the forest that boasts a
variety of tree species. Lots of shade and a peaceful atmosphere.
Beaches

Are you looking for long beaches where the sand and the ocean get lost in
the horizon? Do you prefer cosy beaches hidden among colourful rocks, far
from the world? Make up you mind and choose one of the wonderful beaches
on the Lagos coast.
Meia Praia or São Roque - This broad expanse of sand stretches for 4 km
(2.5 miles) and offers all kinds of facilities for those who enjoy water
sports. On the isthmus of the Alvor bar stands Meia Praia fort, which
defended Lagos bay in the 17th and 18th centuries. Historians say that it
was off these beaches that the galleons carrying the treasure of Moctezuma,
an Aztec emperor captured by the soldiers of Herman Cortez, were
shipwrecked in 1522.
Batata, Estudantes, Homers, Pinhão, Dona Ana and Camilo - Sandy coves
tucked between brightly coloured cliffs, these beaches include some
interesting rock formations. Calm and clear water. Many believe these to
be the most delightful beaches in the Algarve.
Canavial and Porto de Mós - Long beaches between cliffs. Tourist
facilities.
Luz - A tourist centre with a cosmopolitan flavour. Large beach.
Dona Maria - A calm and isolated beach

Golf
Palmares The course is a showpiece for the imagination of Frank Pennink,
one of the most prolific golf course designers in Portugal. The reputation
of the course - a Par 71 - derives from its skilful use of two different
kinds of landscape, as well as its excellent level of maintenance.
Boavista Boavista enjoys a beautiful location in the Western Algarve on a
headland between Lagos and Praia da Luz, commanding magnificent views of
the bay of Lagos, and the distance Monchique hills.

Lodging
Hotel Tivoli Lagos
In the very heart of the ancient and picturesque city of Lagos, the Tivoli
Lagos was planned with all the character and charm of a small village sown
with gardens.
The Tivoli Lagos has 315 rooms, including 12 suites, 105 double rooms, 155
standard twin rooms and 43 "Club" twin rooms.
The rooms, suites, restaurants, bar, the various and spacious living
rooms, arcades, patios and swimming pools all flow into each other,
creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Marina São Roque
Hotel Marina São Roque offers 33 very comfortable rooms with balcony, bath
and wc, air conditioned, direct-dial telephone, satellite TV and safe.
Enjoy our facilities: a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, reading, TV and
games room A large sun terrace located on the roof top overlooking Lagos,
the marina and the beach. Sports activities at your disposal.

Quinta de São Roque
Offering the highest quality accommodation in an unequalled location, the
resort of Quinta de São Roque will not disappoint even the most discerning
guests. Comprising of 17 spacious townhouses and 40 luxuriously appointed
apartments, Quinta de São Roque exudes quality.

Porto D. Maria
Selfcatering Apartments, Villas and Town Houses.
A guaranteed privacy, the blue of the sea and the warm colours of the land
are waiting for you in Porto D. Maria. Re-discover an Algarve that
everybody thought lost in this 4 hectares project on the seashore of an
untouched area